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382 his conclusion, and pronouncing the decree, caused it to be executed with punctuality. His equity was no less conspicuous towards the zemindars and other landholders of Bengal. These persons, under Jaafer-khan's administration, had been mostly kept in confinement, and tormented in such a variety of ways, that it would be a pity to spend paper and ink in describing them. Shujah-khan, after having firmly established his government, released such of the zemindars and other landholders as he found on enquiry free from crime or fraud; as to the others, he ordered them to be all brought into his presence, and to form a circle round his person: this being done, he asked them, how they would behave in future, should he release them. These poor people, who had been for years languishing in dungeons, surprised at this address, burst forth into encomiums on his goodness, and after supplicating heaven to grant him a long and prosperous government, promised that henceforward they would pay the revenue with punctuality, and would prove obedient and dutiful servants. Engagements in their own hand-writing, authenticated by the proper formalities, being taken from them, they confirmed them by the most solemn oaths. Shujah-khan now sent for a number of rich dresses for each, according to his respective rank and station, so that there was not one in that